Homecoming always brings energy to the campus. The crispness of Fall and, if we are lucky, the color of the trees that make the hills of Fayetteville an artist’s dream are “memory chips” that can live a long time in our brains. No matter when you graduated or attended the university, I’ll bet you have a special memory surrounding that weekend.
For some, it is the memory of pre-pollution awareness times when the smell of burning leaves seemed to be everywhere. For others, the urgency of building floats or house decorations that would win the prize can be recalled. Still others remember those “old” alumni returning to campus for the activities and game. As we look back from our vantage point of being 40, 50, 60 or older, we don’t feel as old as those alumni did back then.
Homecoming is full of tradition. The first one (officially designated as such) was in 1922 when the Hogs beat a favored S.M.U. riding the back of a sophomore who accounted for all nine points scored that afternoon. He was a triple threat (something you don’t see any more) who also played tennis and later lacrosse when he studied at Oxford. He would return again in the late thirties and would be named the university’s youngest president in 1939. Today, his name is immortalized not so much in sports halls of fame, but in American history. J. William Fulbright had a marvelous Homecoming 87 years ago.
Don’t you wonder if there is someone among the students on campus today who will contribute to the American and global scene as much as him?
The alumni association staff has been working with students who are coordinating the 2009 Homecoming. Just last week the Student Alumni Board unveiled the 2009 Homecoming Theme and Pairings along with all the events. What began in 1922 as a one day event has evolved into a week-long schedule of various events that includes a community service project that has set regional records in blood donations.
There will be the usual events including the Homecoming Parade down Dickson Street that finishes at the Chi Omega Theater for a spirited Pep Rally. Throughout the week Greek houses and residence halls compete in designing and constructing creative decorations tied to the theme which celebrates 100 years of our teams being called Razorbacks.
On the evening of Friday, October 30, 2009, the alumni association will honor eleven alumni and friends for achievement and service during the 65th annual Alumni Awards Celebration. Among them will be an entrepreneur, world class photographer, a young couple making waves in Hollywood, a university vice chancellor, the “godfather” of the Marching Band, a Fayetteville community servant, a world renown researcher, a leader of a global outreach academic program and a professor whose impact on the lives of students transcends decades.
Sounds like a full cup doesn’t it? We encourage you to take part in some or all of it. Make plans to return to Fayetteville and campus to take in the color, sounds, excitement and memories of Homecoming. We look forward to welcoming you back home!
